Tackling Overheating in Homes: What Roofers Need to Know

Tackling Overheating in Homes: What Roofers Need to Know

As the Future Homes Standard (FHS) is set to come into effect this year, combatting the issue of overheating in homes is taking centre stage for those working in the roofing industry. Nick King, our Portfolio Manager here at Klober, explains what the changes will mean for industry professionals and what they need to know ahead of implementation.

How is Overheating Defined?

Under the CIBSE TM59 methodology, properties can be considered to be overheating if the internal temperature of a bedroom exceeds 26 °C for just a small percentage of the night. This can negatively impact peoples’ health, wellbeing, and productivity and is deemed a major hazard for the most vulnerable groups of people.

In a report from Arup commissioned by the Climate Change Committee, it was revealed that about 55% of the UK’s housing stock is classed as overheating in the current climate.

What Does This Mean for Roofers?

Alongside the introduction of the FHS, rising temperatures and growing awareness of climate change are highlighting the critical need for effective ventilation strategies that support Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and balance airtightness with ventilation.

This is why we are continuing to emphasise the importance of correctly installed roofing ventilation to address the challenge. Such measures support mechanical extract ventilation which help to balance airtightness with effective airflow, ensuring homes meet regulatory requirements and provide fresh air for healthier, more comfortable living environments.

Part O of the Building Regulations has been introduced through the Future Homes Standard, as a result of overheating becoming a pressing topic in recent years. The change specifically aims to limit solar gains and provide sufficient ventilation to remove excess heat – responding to climate change issues and helping improve building efficiency.  

The climate change problem is one that is only going to get worse as temperatures continue to rise. According to the Met Office’s State of the UK Climate 2023 report, the number of ‘hot’ days (28 °C) has more than doubled, and ‘very hot’ days (30 °C) more than trebled for the most recent decade (2014-2023) compared to 1961-1990. In 2023, the UK experienced its eighth warmest summer since 1884, with June the hottest on record in the country.

What Can Roofers Do Now?

While it’s vital that roofers are aware of how they can play their part in getting on top of overheating homes, it’s important that we, as a nation, tackle this problem too. Given that the global climate is expected to rise by a further 1.5-2 °C in the next few decades, it is critical that change is adopted as part of wider industry best practice.

In the FHS, there is already a proposal on the table that all new homes should have MEV systems fitted. These products will hopefully provide respite to occupants, but it is important to highlight that this regulation does not apply to existing homes.

That’s why roofing contractors should be aware of the different options available. For example, to align with ‘Option 1’ of the FHS where mechanical ventilation is proposed, a tile vent with a 100mm diameter connection may well be suitable. But for larger systems, or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, a larger outlet may be required. Klober’s range of 20k slate and tile vents offer 20,000mm² ventilation area and can be paired with a 150mm adaptor to enable pairing with this type of system. 

Where MEV systems are used, it is essential that effective outlets are in place to ensure their efficiency. Using high-quality roofing ventilation solutions helps to combat the overheating challenge while supporting overall building performance.  

Prepare for the Not-So Distant Future

While it is not mandated yet, soon enough some homes will need to have roof tile vents fitted in order to be the outlet for either MEV systems, or even MEV with heat recovery solutions. By bringing awareness to the topic, the industry can begin to reduce this issue of overheating in the home before the problem escalates.